‎By Hosea Parah

‎The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood advisory, warning of a medium flood risk in 17 states between July 21 and July 27.

‎The agency said the alert followed rising water levels at key river monitoring stations, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.

‎NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in the National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued on Tuesday.

‎He said the affected states are “Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.”

‎According to Mohammed, “river levels at Saminaka on the Karam River, Waya Dam site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning thresholds.”

‎He said 16 gauging stations nationwide were recording elevated river levels, placing nearby communities at risk of localised flooding.

‎Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone communities to take precautionary measures immediately.

‎NIHSA said Bauchi had the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets identified as vulnerable.

‎The agency also identified vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.

‎Mohammed urged the National Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agencies, local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans.

‎He recommended relocating residents, livestock and valuables from floodplains to safer locations.

‎He also advised emergency agencies to pre-position food, medical supplies and water treatment materials in areas likely to be affected.

‎The NIHSA boss called for community mobilisation through early warning volunteers and local communication channels to ensure the timely dissemination of flood alerts.

‎He cautioned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterways.

‎Mohammed further urged authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve water flow and reduce flooding.

‎He advised the public and relevant agencies to monitor daily flood updates and advisories issued by NIHSA.